Old town sparkle in Kaufbeuren: A festival of lights for the senses
On November 18th, 2025, the “Old Town Sparkle” took place in Kaufbeuren for the first time, a highlight with a light show, culinary delights and culture.

Old town sparkle in Kaufbeuren: A festival of lights for the senses
Last weekend, Kaufbeuren shone in a festive sea of lights as the “Old Town Sparkle” celebrated its premiere. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors were invited to the historic center to enjoy a very special shopping experience. Loud Mercury Thousands of guests flocked from Kaufbeuren and the surrounding area, and the organizers were completely satisfied with how it went.
The concept combines the action group's “Candle Light Shopping” with the light art project “Kaufbeuren shines”. In collaboration with the city's culture department, numerous attractions were offered. Whether it was an impressive light show on the facade of the historic town hall, which took place every 20 minutes, or a spectacular show at St. Martin's Church - there was something for everyone.
A feast for the senses
But those weren't the only highlights: at the fruit market, a light labyrinth with 1,000 glowing candles enchanted visitors. Performance artists from Artistica Anam Cara amazed people with fire and LED performances at the harbor market. A parade with self-made, colorful light-up animals from the cultural workshop and humorous entertainment at the customs house rounded off the program.
The street food mile, which waited for visitors along Kaiser-Max-Straße, Kirchplatz and Ludwigstraße, offered a wide range of culinary delights. There, guests were able to fortify themselves with food and drinks and enjoy live music on Ludwigstrasse, while metal alphorns provided a special acoustic background on the lower Kaiser-Max-Strasse.
A place of silence and creative competitions
For those seeking a moment of peace, Trinity Church offered a “Room of Silence” on Friday and there was a choral music performance on Saturday. This mix of festive atmosphere and contemplative moments made the event particularly unique.
Another highlight was the photo competition, which runs until November 30th. Here participants can upload images in PDF, JPEG, JPG or PNG format. Ten of the most beautiful pictures receive prizes, including vouchers from the Kaufbeuren Action Group, which further stimulates the creativity of visitors.
According to supporting reporting by Circle messenger This event, which was already advertised in advance with a similar candlelight shopping event in Kaufbeuren, will probably also have a permanent place in the city's calendar in the coming years.
The perfect mix of lights, culture and cuisine ensures an unforgettable experience. The organizers hope that the positive response to the event will continue and perhaps even expand over the next few years. The “Old Town Sparkle” has already sparked anticipation for the upcoming festivals and could develop into a real highlight in the event calendar.
For those who want to enjoy the special experience even more intensively, tickets for the popular candlelight concerts are available Candlelight a great option that promises a special atmosphere for both groups and individuals.